Pre-Debut
Before their debut in mid-2013, Boys Republic, as a group, has received two years of training under Universal Music and Jung Hae IK of Happy Tribe Entertainment, who has helped to produce first generation idols such as g.o.d, H.O.T, and S.E.S.[2] The boys have been trained in singing, dancing, acting, and languages and cultures of other countries. To further establish global relevance, the group's chief music adviser, producer and composer Keun Tae Park has collaborated with Dsign Music, the Norwegian songwriting/production company that has written songs for TVXQ, Girls' Generation, and EXO.[3]
Prior to the two years training from Universal Music, some of the members have received training under other recording labels and talent agencies. Sunwoo (vocal), formerly known as Dabin, was a former member of the South Korean boy band, TOUCH, managed by YYJ Entertainment and had also received training under Cube Entertainment. On the 10th July 2014, on his personal Twitter (SNS), he revealed that he has changed his name from Choi Dabin(최다빈) to Choi Sun Woo(최선우). Sungjun (rap and dance) was a former JYP Entertainment trainee and Suwoong (vocal) was previously under Big Hit Entertainment.
In March 2013, three months before their official debut, Boys Republic was chosen as the PR for Jeju Air 2013, the group's first endorsement with their Jeju Air brand song, "Orange Sky."[4][5]
2013 Debut: "Party Rock" & 1st EP 'IDENTITY'
Boys Republic at Lotte World K-POP Concert on November 30th of 2013.
Boys Republic made their debut with the first single, "Party Rock." After its release, the song peaked at No. 1 on iTunes single charts in Indonesia, Philippines, Singapore, and Thailand.[6] On June 2, the group performed on their very first stage in front of a crowd of nearly 20,000 local K-POP fans in Japan at the K-POP Festival 2013 Live in Kumamoto.[7] In the months of June and July, SBS MTV aired the group's eight episode reality show "Rookie King: Boys Republic."[8] They took on their second endorsement and became the new face of Michiko London Koshino 2013.[9]
After their successful debut, the group made a comeback with their 1st EP, "IDENTITY" on October 8 with written lyric contributions from their group leader, Onejunn.[10] They held their first domestic showcase for the comeback at Ilchi Art Hall, Seoul.[11] Their EP title song "You Are Special" peaked at No. 1 on KKBOX Chart in Malaysia in 2013. They were voted by fans to close the U.O.X. 2013 held by Celcom in Malaysia.[12] Boys Republic officially debuted in Malaysia the following week with their "I'm Ready" Showcase in Kuala Lumpur.[13] In November, Boys Republic along with South Korean boy group, VIXX, became ambassadors for "Eye Camp Expedition," a charity campaign, joining other volunteers in Vietnam to help those visually impaired. Their charity work was documented through a four episodes reality show aired on SBS MTV.[14]
2014: 'Fantasy Trilogy' & MTV World Stage in Malaysia
On February 5 of 2014, Boys Republic announced their comeback through their official social media accounts, revealing the first teaser image for "Fantasy Trilogy" with the slogan, "making the dreams and fantasies of fans come true." With this three title song comeback, they plan to show a 180 degrees transformation for the new year. The second teaser illustration further conveys the concept with each of the group member posing as their favorite superheroes: Onejunn as Spiderman, Sunwoo as Wolverine, Sungjun as Ironman, Minsu as Batman, and Suwoong as Super Mario.[15] On February 16, they revealed the first song of the trilogy titled "Video Game" with the caption, "Childish boys growing up to be superheroes." "Video Game" is produced by Keun Tae Park, written by Jin Choi and Danish songwriter Mage, and composes of Hybrid-Electronic Trap (H.E.T.) sounds, intense electronic bass, and gaming sound effects. It was officially released on February 20 along with the dance version of the music video with choreography from the Nana School team. For their 300th day since debut celebration, Boys Republic released the story version music video, visually portraying the group members passing through game levels in virtual space as game characters to win the hearts of the ones they love.
Five months after the unveiling of their "Fantasy Trilogy," Boys Republic announced their second comeback of 2014 on July 14. Their two-part title song for "Fantasy Trilogy" part two is a collaboration with the producing team, Duble Sidekick.[17] On July 17 of 2014, they released the first teaser video of their summer track titled, 예쁘게 입고 나와(Dress up), which literally translates to "Dress Prettily and Come Out." The teaser features the five members of Boys Republic and Gag Concert's comedian, Lee Suji.[18] Boys Republic released the electronic pop "Dress Up" and its music video on July 25. The song is about how the boys have eyes only for their girlfriends. They cannot live without the love of their special someone.[19]
On August 16, representing South Korea, Boys Republic shared the stage with B.o.B, Yuna, and Thaitanium in front of an audience of approximately 15,000[20] for the 6th MTV World Stage Live in Malaysia.[21] Their performance included the tracks: "I'm Ready," "You Are Special," a remix version of "Video Game," their debut song, "Party Rock," and a special song composed by Onejunn titled "몽유" (Somnambulance).[22] Boys Republic also performed their most recent song, "Dress Up," inviting the winner of BR's Girlfriend contest to join them on stage as their girlfriend. During their stay in Malaysia for the MTV World Stage Concert, they had an interview session with approximately 60 well-known media outlets from Malaysia, Thailand, Indonesia, and Singapore. They also held a fan-signing of a thousand and played laser tag with their fans to show their love and appreciation.
During the months of September and October, their schedule comprised more than a dozen live stage performances and guest concerts including South Korea's Hallyu Dream Concert and K Festival in Incheon.[23] Boys Republic's third and final installment of 2014 "Fantasy Trilogy" was revealed to be their second mini-album titled, "Real Talk," with title song, "The Real One." The official album cover of "Real Talk" and its track list was made public early November,[24] followed by the first photo teasers of Boys Republic in modern dress attire along with the exact date of EP release, November 12 of 2014.[25] At 11:11pm of November 11, Boys Republic Official Youtube Channel published the music video for "The Real One," disclosing their latest concept of "Modern vs. Classic," the fashionable man transcending time and space. Classical attire based on the Victorian Era conveyed elegance while the clean style of modern suits conveyed sophistication. The title song is written and composed by Duble Sidekick with rap lyric contribution from Boys Republic's Minsu. Boys Republic garnered many peer/celebrity supporters shown by the hashtag, 진짜가 나타났다 (The Real One). Such supporters included the Ghana-born broadcaster, Sam, and South Korean boy group, VIXX.[26] "Real Talk" track list contains their 2014 singles, "Video Game" and "Dress Up," along with their first ballad song, "Like A Doll," and Onejunn's self written and composed "Somnambulance."
On November 27, in Japan, at Tower Records Shibuya, Boys Republic held their first Japanese showcase in front of a crowd of 1,000 enthusiastic Kpop fans. Their stage included "The Real One," I'm Ready," "You Are Special," "Video Game," "Like A Doll," and "Party Rock."[27] Boys Republic flew back to South Korea the next day to accept the Teen Artist Award at the 22nd Korean Cultural Entertainment Awards.
In the last month of 2014, Boys Republic took the opportunity, during the height of their comeback, to participate in charity work. Vocalist, Sunwoo, posted an image of himself knitting hats for newborns, encouraging others to join him in "Save the Children" project, a campaign that delivers hats to Uganda, Ethiopia, and Pakistan.[28] December 20, Boys Republic volunteered their service in Gwanghwamun, Seoul, wearing red Salvation Army charity activewear and offering free hugs in the cold weather. Proceeds from the charity event went towards improving poverty stricken neighborhoods.
